Letter from the Director – Summer at the Union
We waited an awfully long time this year for spring to arrive. The longer we waited, the more exaggerated my expectations became of what summer would be like at the Union. The gridlock that Langdon Street and Library Mall became last winter as a result of three separate construction projects was just about enough to keep away even our most loyal Union members. You wouldn’t believe how much we were all looking forward to summer – with more anticipation than a busload of kids as they unload in front of the Babcock Dairy Store on a school field trip – that’s how much!
Even with all the construction, summer on the Terrace has not disappointed. The excellent music and films put on by the Wisconsin Union Directorate, sizzling brats and tasty beverages, and a favorable weather pattern have all conspired to wipe away those dreary, dismal memories of February and March. Here is a brief listing of some of this summer’s highlights as well as a sneak peek of things to come:
- The newly renovated shoreline between Lake Street and Park Street re-opened for Commencement Weekend. It is safe once again to sit along the water, dangle your feet and enjoy the view.
- The new and expanded Brat Stand opened as part of the first phase of the Memorial Union Reinvestment. A companion dining operation, The Gazebo, also opened on the east end of the Terrace to offer a wider variety of food and beverage options.
- The Goodspeed Family Pier officially opened in late June, the first public docking pier off the campus shoreline – and the first installment of the new Alumni Park.
- Outdoor UW and Wisconsin Hoofers will move into their new space off the lakeshore in August. As students return to campus this fall, they’ll find their home for outdoor recreation in brand new quarters – with amazing views of Lake Mendota year round.
- Soon, the upper level of the Terrace just north of the Union Theater will be open again to Park Street. The new design has eliminated the need for a ramp off of Park Street, making the space accessible to all.
- After Labor Day, we’ll announce some public input sessions dedicated to collecting your feedback as we finish up the design for Memorial Union, the Terrace and Alumni Park. Your input helped make the first phase so successful, and I’m confident the same will be true for phase II.
With all of our recent improvements, we’ve done our best to embrace the sun and the warmth while it’s here. And, since you all know “You can’t Terrace anywhere else,” I hope to see most of you at Madison’s favorite hang out spot in the remaining weeks of summer – before the warmth begins to slip away.
Don’t be one of those people who says, “I wish I had made it down to the Terrace more often” when the autumn winds begin to blow!
All my best,
Mark Guthier
Director
